SPORTS

The Dolphins have made a trend of starting their season five games after they should have. What do I mean by that? Last year the team struggled early, and their record showed how bad things were at 1-4. Despite their terrible start, they finished the season with a 10-6 record due to an absolute tear that they went on after their fifth game. In 2017, they did not start as badly, but they are still struggling to win consistently with their current record (2nd week of October) of 3-2. After a game five win they have broken .500 and all Dolphins fans hope that last year’s hot streak repeats itself.

It seems as though that hope may just become a reality. It simply feels as though the Miami Dolphins have turned the corner on the 2017 season after Sunday’s 20-17 comeback win over Atlanta. It feels as though this team is finding itself in the same manner they did in 2016 and the timing is similar.

That victory over Atlanta was meaningful. It was a huge game. A huge win. It was big because the Dolphins beat the defending NFC champions. On the road. And they did it after spotting the Falcons a 17-0 halftime lead.

Our infamous quarterback Jay Cutler had a tough first half, but he recovered in the second half. Cutler completed 11 of 19 passes (57.9 pct.) for 87 yards, two touchdowns and no interception during the second half on Sunday, October 15th. This was the first time in Cutler’s 144-game NFL career that he brought a team back to win from a deficit as large as 17 points. So, Fin fans have some hope that Cutler’s play may actually mirror his paycheck.

The offense wasn’t the only noteworthy unit in that historic game. The Dolphins managed to keep Atlanta’s high-powered offense scoreless in the second half of the comeback victory. Miami is one of just two teams in the NFL to not allow more than 20 points in a game this season.

This was important. It feels like this team has turned a corner. The Dolphins seem to have gotten their mojo back. Only time can tell though, so enjoy the roller coaster ride that all Dolphin fans have to go through every year. This might be the year where the Fins begin making their mark on the league.